Hawaii - Winter 2026

February 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026   
Opening Reception: February 1, 2026 1PM – 2:30PM  
Kauai Community College, Kauai Performing Arts Center, Lihue, HI

The INTO LIGHT Project Hawai‘i installation includes four individuals from Hawai‘i. To broaden the conversation and reflect the national scope of this crisis, we have augmented the exhibit with a thoughtfully curated selection of portraits and stories from other states across the country.

Devin Hart Bearden

Devin Hart Bearden

Caring, athletic, bright, witty, attractive At 6’2”, Devin was lanky, handsome, and a natural athlete. Equally at home on a skateboard, snowboard, or when surfing, he was a pleasure to watch; so fluid and graceful. He was a good soccer and baseball player and loved hiking in nature or being at the beach, especially on the annual family beach trips to Hatteras in North Carolina.
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Anne E. Barko

Anne E. Barko

Beloved, Youthful, Fun, People Person Spirited, humorous, and bright, Anne was a cherished soul. Whether she was practicing athletics like hiking, surfing, or gymnastics, or connecting with people through school or job experiences, she was naturally talented at finding joy in life. Gregarious and loved by all, she was her niece Sky and nephew Drew’s favorite aunt. Her sisters Valerie and Kathryn, as well as her childhood friend Amber, knew her as a bright light with a strong work ethic, one not afraid to show competitive spirit and limitless loyalty.
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Jonny Jpain Papagayo

Jonny Jpain Papagayo

Loving, caring, genuine, humble, respectful Jonny was born and raised in the beautiful, close-knit community of Kapaa, Kauai to Philip Sr. and Benita Papagayo, “The ocean, the mountains, and the mud under his boots, ran through his veins. He carried his island with him everywhere, in the way he lived, the way he loved, and the way he made everyone feel like family,” his fiancée, Akanahe, stated.
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Kalalua Rivera

Kalalua Rivera

Wild, adventurous, helpful, fun, unforgettable Kalalau, better known as Lau, was born in Waimea, Kauaʻi, and later grew up in Makaweli at “Camp 6” and Kekaha. To sister Hanakapiaʻi, he was Kekaha’s best rubbish picker. He taught her how to scour the landfill for what they called “Mānā Gems” — a joke referencing one of the island’s only department stores. They had some incredible finds! Once Lau found four new skateboard wheels scattered in different areas. Excitedly, he raised them high, exclaiming, “Shooooots, still good da buggah!” Only cool kids knew how to skateboard, and play marbles, and, of course, Lau was great at both. He’d also bike down the mountain, with only his rubber slippers as brakes.
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Austin Ikaika Thronas

Austin Ikaika Thronas

Sweet, adventurous, very loved Austin was not someone who sat still. There was always somewhere to go, something to see, and everything to do. He made the most out of trips to Disneyland, Las Vegas, and Oahu as a child, and spent every summer at Anini Beach diving and camping. Throughout the rest of the year, he was an all-star Pop Warner football player and Little League baseball player. He traveled around the state for a variety of tournaments throughout his youth. His eagerness to move sometimes made longer classes difficult, but he maintained good grades in school and earned his GED at just 16 years old. As an adult, his passion for adventure turned to hunting, fishing, and spending long days at the beach with his family.
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